Wii System by Nintendo - Acceptable Exercise?

The Wii definitely has people talking and apparently,traditional gaming of course but should not
exercising! Wii was originally released in 2006 and byencompass a child’s complete exercise regimen.
Christmas 2007 had people scattering, scrounging andIt is recommended that a child receive at least 60
waiting outside various stores at 5 am in ice stormscombined total minutes of exercise everyday. While
for one of the precious long awaited shipment! Aplaying Wii for 60 minutes a day would be more
distinguishing feature of the console is its wirelessbeneficial than watching television or playing a
controller, which can be used as a handheld pointingtraditional video or computer game it should not
device and can detect acceleration in threesubstitute traditional play all together.
dimensions. Another is the WiiConnect24, whichOutdoor play including participating in team sports has
enables it to receive messages and updates over themany benefits aside from physical activity. Social
Internet while in standby mode. I would like to focusinteraction, exposure to outdoor elements, exposure
on the former feature and the associated buzz thatto new situations and environments are benefits
Wii is providing exercise for its users.gained from traditional play. These benefits foster
Childhood obesity and the care of our elderly areimagination, creativity and a child’s sense of
both pressing social concerns in America. Wii seemsindividuality. Furthermore, according to a study at
to address both issues. Playing the Wii makes anJohn Moore University in Liverpool, England, playing
impact on the user’s heart rate, energyWii games such as Wii Bowling and Wii Sports, burns
expenditure and amount of calories burned.approximately 60 calories per hour. This is dramatically
Independent studies are producing positive resultsless calories burned than walking, running and
that regular Wii gaming can decrease body fat, lowerparticipating in a sport.
resting heart rate, lower BMI, and result in weightSeniors and adults on average receive far less
loss. There is a well documented study posted onexercise performing their daily activities than a child.
the net by a man who added playing Wii sports intoWii gaming will have a more drastic positive effect on
his daily activity regimen while leaving everything elsea person the more sedentary their lifestyle. In
the same. He too had positive results. You can findresponse to the hype about the physical benefits of
his work on In his study boxing produced the mostWii gaming, Wii is now marketing a product titled Wii
drastic results.Fit. Wii Fit is a pressure-sensitive balance board. The
Elder care facility members have also been reapingboard is used for an array of dynamic activities
the benefits of this system. This was a previouslyincluding aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games.
untapped market for video games. Wii has managedThe activities are geared toward providing a core
to engage nursing home residents mentally as well asworkout that emphasizes slower, controlled motions
physically. It has brought out a spirit ofsuch as in Pilates and Yoga.
competitiveness that has been sedentary in aIn summary, Wii gaming is being heralded for its
majority of them for quite some time. An additionalphysical benefits. These benefits are most notably
benefit to Wii gaming for seniors is that they canbeing reaped by seniors who are participating in Wii
participate in gaming with their children andgaming. When it comes to children however, Wii
grandchildren. The Wii gives seniors and theirgaming should be considered part of a child’s
grandchildren some common ground and an activityactive play and in no way substitute a child’s
they can participate in together and both enjoy.traditional outdoor play and participation in team
The physical benefits of Wii gaming for children is asports.
disputed point. Wii provides more exercise than